Whole Foods Streamlines for Growth

The supernatural chain opens smaller boxes in quest for the 1,000-store threshold.
“I’m confident we can achieve our 1,000-store goal. The question will be how quickly can we go?"
— Walter E. Robb, co-CEO

For Whole Foods Market, smaller stores in smaller markets are proving to be better — and just as profitable — industry observers told SN.

The Austin, Texas-based chain has developed a smaller footprint that enables it to expand aggressively into more mid-sized markets — like Des Moines (population 570,000); Wichita, Kan. (350,000); and Lincoln, Neb. (250,000) — while maintaining comparable rates of ret